Pain management in sickle cell disease

Abstract

The unpredictable, recurrent, intense, and frequently persistent nature of pain associated with sickle cell disease poses a difficult challenge in terms of management. A wide variability exists in the way painful episodes are managed. Variations in practice reflect different views about the suitability of opioids, the efficacy of parenteral administration, and the risk of dependence on opioids. Consequently, the acute and chronic pain associated with sickle cell disease often is undertreated or inappropriately managed. Although medical staff fear that patients might abuse pain medication and become psychologically dependent, patients are more concerned about the side effects associated with analgesics. Some patients may persuade staff to give them more analgesics, engage in clock-watching, and request specific medications or dosages; these patients often are perceived as manipulative or demanding. However, these patients are knowledgeable about their medications and doses that have worked in the past. Requests for specific medications and dosages should not be interpreted as indications of drug-seeking behavior, but clinicians should communicate with these patients, make accurate assessments, and provide adequate doses of opioid analgesics. The American Pain Society recognized that the undertreatment of pain and inappropriate management of pain in sickle cell disease seem to be common. A Clinical Practice Guideline was developed to provide evidence-based recommendations that could potentially improve pain management. The purpose of this report is to describe the pharmacologic strategies used to manage pain associated with sickle cell disease, examine issues and challenges related to pain management as well as concerns and fears related to addiction, and explain the administration of opioids as recommended by the American Pain Society. © 2001 by the American Society of Pain Management Nurses